As stated in the introduction, otters are mustelids. When theyre captured and sold as pets, otters are not living their full, natural lives. But can you keep one as a pet? She said yes . In the wild, otters can live up to 10-15 years, while those in captivity may live longer. White ceramic money box Personalised. However, I'd like to be able to contribute to the conservation of otters and their habitat, so I hope I can find a way to do that. Why is is not right to have an OTTER as a PET? You can give them a complete cat food as the base, but make sure that over half of their diet is meat-based. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. All rights reserved. They are semi-aquatic animals, and they are well adapted to life on both land and in water, like rivers, streams, freshwater wetlands, and the sea. Because I love otters. Because theyre so cute, theres been a high demand to own them as pets., Illegal poaching and sales have hurt the global otter population. However, mascotism damages biodiversity, since it does not focus on . They live in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps in Southern Asia. Yes, you can own an otter in Massachusetts as long as you have a permit from the state. With a degree in Animal Behaviour and over a decade of practical animal husbandry experience, Hannah's articles cover everything from pet care to wildlife conservation. Instead, consider visiting them at a zoo or wildlife sanctuary, where you can observe and appreciate these amazing animals in a safe and responsible manner. Otters can carry and transmit diseases that can be harmful to humans, such as salmonella and giardia. You may have seen videos on YouTube of otters playing in people's homes, but often these videos lack context. This permit requires that you have a secure and adequate enclosure for your otter, and that you provide proper care and nutrition for your pet. In so many States in the USA it is illegal to keep a pet otter. More on each of these later. If you believe your state should be on this list, check with your local state department. American Toad. They need attention all the time. Asian otters require a tropical climate and room to explore and play. Trained professionals can provide the care and rehabilitation necessary to ensure the otter can be released back into the wild. If you have a dog in your home, they can get into fights with your otter., Dogs and otters can transmit diseases to each other as well. Your email address will not be published. Where can you shake hands with an otter? As with all wild animals, otters are likely to react to humans in unexpected ways, and they can turn aggressive when they feel threatened. Animals other than those that are usually kept as a companion or domestic animal attract a lot of attention and generate curiosity to know what it is like to have one at home. She did nothing wrong shes a vet giving you advice on a animal that people love and right now have are popular. People's Trust for Endangered Species. I was headstrong about owning an otter and this article actually dissuaded me people are insane nowadays, would you rather there I have not come across this information then got an otter and regretted? Yes, some otter species are endangered. Since otters are not legal to buy, its difficult to give a price range. However, they also mark territory with scent glands at the base of their tail. Obtaining a permit for keeping an otter is difficult, if not impossible. Not all countries have strict protection laws and many otter populations are already in decline. The lifespan of otters varies depending on the species and their environment. It is the most common type trapped and sold as pets. I have seen so many animals killed because of ignorance. Alabama law prohibits any wildlife protected by law being held in captivity (as in kept as pets.) Even if it is legal to have an otter as a pet, many exotic pet curators do not go through proper channels to capture and sell animals. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. However, keeping otters in captivity is not the same as keeping an otter as a pet. Instead of citing specific sizes, I would recommend simply imagining what you would deem an acceptable length and width for a very energetic and playful carnivore that will spend most, if not all, of its life in the enclosure. It depends on the state, but yes, it is likely illegal. Otters need space to roam. You need another animal carer to assist you if you need to leave. They can have up to 1 million (thats 1 with six zeros!) If a state doesnt prohibit the possession of "non-domesticated carnivores" or the family Mustelidae (of which Asian small-clawed otters are a member), and it doesnt have an awful list of "non-regulated" species of which all not named on it are considered illegal, then these otters might be legal! Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia. NO. You should include fish. This is the way for all animals, but the fundamental problem is that wild animals are better off wild, no matter how well we think we can look after them. Depending on the size, the cage should provide at least 30% water. if you want to have a wire sort of cage and live in a winter climate would i have to make a little room with heating. While they may have a better chance of coexistence with humans if socialized at a young age, it is not easy to predict their actions. To raise an otter away from its natural family group is a tragedy, so if you are still planning on keeping an otter, know that you will have to keep several otters in order to maintain the sanity and mental wellbeing of each one! When otters are agitated or stressed they can bite and become aggressive. Required fields are marked *. They deserve to be out in the world in environments which we do't interfere with. When you see cute baby otters interacting with their keeperssuch as those in the videos hereremember that these are often socialized babies that have not yet undergone maturation. Given their sensitivity, less than 10% are likely to survive to adoption. However, a recent uptick of otter attacks has caused distress to many fish owners across the island. If left untrained, they can leave many droppings around the house. In Australia, it is illegal to keep an otter as a pet. You will need to provide a heated area for them when temperatures drop below 50F. It is illegal to keep this indigenous otter as a pet in the United States, and not advised to take it out of North America. Please be better than that and get a pet that we breed for generations. Put a ring on it! If you want to see otters, your best bet is to visit a zoo or aquarium. I do not even need to mention you all the reasons why. Several countries have legislation protecting otters from being kept as pets. Otters are highly social, very active, semi-aquatic, and need a lot of space - so having one single one as a pet would certainly be unethical - even if it were possible. Even many experienced pet owners would not try to take on an otter. They are hard to potty train, and their fast metabolism means they poop a lot, and often. Otters arent as cute as you might think. Otters are adorable animals, but keeping them as pets is not a good idea. Eastern Red-backed Salamander. Other zoological animals like meerkats, raccoon dogs, slow lorises, and pangolins can't be owned privately for many reasons, at least in the United States. Stoats as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, The Ocelot as a Pet: Everything you Need to Know, Silver Foxes as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, Ostriches as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, Gov UK. While they are the smallest otter species in the world, Asian small-clawed otters can still grow to 24 inches (61cm). Yeah I know but some people already own them and they couldnt put them in the wild because they wouldnt survive. Are otters friendly with humans? Because they are cute is not a valid reason for keeping captive otters, even if it is an enjoyable bonus. Many Asian countries have taken measures to protect them through bans and regulation.. To stay warm in the water for so long, otters have incredibly thick fur, and very fast metabolisms, which means they need to eat a lot 20% of their body weight per day, during certain months. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Tremble with Tarka as the sounds of the otter hounds come down the valley. But even if this is the case, keeping them as a pet will be discouraged by animal control and the Department of Health. 11:06. Answer: I would guess no, but it might depend on the animal and your particular talent in animal training. Likely, your otter will spend most of its life in the enclosure. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. Otters climb, so a roof or top is required, and they are keen diggers, so any fencing needs to be extended in-ground. I am currently an ecological project officer at Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. As we have stated, they are not domestic animals. Vets are expensive. In the U.S. there is only one otter species that can be kept in the home so to speak - the Asian Short-clawed Otter . Other animals in the Mustelidae family include the ferret. Their temperaments are unpredictable they are wild animals at heart and can be dangerous, especially if not under supervision near children. I know a lady who owns an otter , she displays her on insta with her other exotic pets that rescued and even doing so much for her baby she still sees signs of distress! In the wild, otters roam over a large area, including terrestrially and aquatically over land and water. Over half of all 13 otter species are endangered or vulnerable and are not legally breed - they have to be capture, usually by killing the mother and confiscating the pups. Can you own an otter in BC? Dogs and otters do not get along. In some cases, otters that have been in captivity can be released back into the wild. Otters should not live in a domestic household, and a demand for pet otters helps drives illegal animal trade and decimate wild populations. However, Asian small-clawed otters, despite being the otter species best suited for captivity, are not commonly kept, even in the exotic pet-keeping community. Their appearance may be similar to a friendly dog's, but their temperament is quite the opposite. Online classified ads Sites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace sometimes have individuals who breed or sell otters. They are all semiaquatic, aquatic or marine mammals, and subsist on diets mainly based on fish and invertebrates, such as mollusks. 70-80% can be meat-based, and can include chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. Otters are smelly, loud and extremely active; they have sharp teeth and jaws strong enough to crack open shellfish. Crested Gecko Enclosures: Whats the Best Choice? HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Is it illegal to have an otter as a pet in every country? Their bite is sharp and piercing. It takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, patience, and experience to house them, provide them with enrichment, and keep them safe and secure. They travel in groups and maintain family ties, for life. They can be very destructive when they dont get what they want., Strong odor. This species is not for beginners. No, you cannot keep an otter as a therapy animal. Your email address will not be published. Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. However, if youre still keen on the otter, and live in a state where you can legally own one, youre welcome to take the next step. One thing that I think it's important to note is that ASC otters vocalize constantly in captivity for attention. Aggression in otters is also something important to consider. Most products include Include a 90 day warranty for your convenience and to ensure you're completely satisfied! Hannah Elizabeth is an English animal behavior author, having written for several online publications. Have a secondary pond/enclosure that I keep stocked with fish,frogs, and other native species that I would let my baby out in daily and go swimming with it. But in Japan, where more than a dozen animal cafes now feature otters, they have . Sadly, due to the difficulties that come with owning an otter, many are abandoned or discarded to rescue groups., National Geographic: Wild otters are the latest exotic pet trend., PetHelpful: A Guide to Legally Owning and Caring for a Pet Otter., Sea Otter Savvy: Dangerous Liaisons: Interactions Between Pets and Sea Otters., The Furry Companion: FAQs for Aspiring Pet Otter Owners., WORLD ANIMAL PROTECTION: Why You Shouldnt Share That Cute Pet Otter Video.. Pet owners must provide a secure and appropriate habitat, as well as proper nutrition and veterinary care. If you are handling or cuddling your otter, it will know if it doesnt have your full attention, and scream in order to get it. If you try to teach an otter right vs. wrong, for example regarding littering outside the litter box, it will likely perform the negative action just in order to elicit a reaction from you. Therefore, purchasing an otter can do more harm than good and is not advised. They need plenty of space and care., An otters enclosure needs to be large enough for them to get exercise and forage. Can you have a pet sea otter? (2019). This may not seem very big, but their high metabolism and intelligence mean they can take up a lot of space when they need to, or want to. They swim 17km everyday , live in large groups of 20 individuals esprantes in multiple families. Not only do you need the right enclosure and dietary resources to take care of a pet otter, but you need to have access to specialists in your neighborhood. Prohibited mammals, reptiles and amphibians You are not allowed to keep prohibited animals as a pet in Queensland. Sea otter: Illegal to own under the Marine Animal Protection Act. Theyre not for us to put them in cute hats ! Supplement their diet with vegetables, soft-boiled eggs, and insects. Eastern Newt. But. 11:06. An otters diet can vary in captivity. "Oh honey~~~ you shouldn't have! We are living in a world full of ignorant, entitled, beings who have little/no respect for anyone or anything. This, we can presume, is because they were always found at the waters edge, be it at the seaside (sea otters), riverside (river otters), clambering over brooks (Asian small-clawed otter) or in The Guianas (giant otters). In this AnimalWised video, we talk about the lifestyle of these mammals, what types of otter exist and why you should never have them in a. They arent easily housetrained and theyre very active, social animals. Captive otters require caging. Very few are owned by private individuals and habited in domestic environments. You need resources to own any pet, much less an exotic one. Just saying because you want an exotic pet doesnt make you a bad person. They do not fall under the same laws because they are not technically marine mammals. In most countries, only dogs and miniature horses are recognized as therapy animals. : They are not illegal to breed. No, you dont need to have a massive zoo enclosure with a natural lake (although it wouldnt hurt), but housing Asian small-clawed otters will still present a challenge for the average person or even an advanced exotic pet keeper. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 16, 2018: Can you have an Asian small clawed otter as a pet in the state of Georgia. Otters can also be loud and destructive. Remember to always treat otters with respect and caution, and support conservation efforts to protect these important animals. can also be offered to supplement the diet. The larger the group, the larger the smear. No, it is not safe or ethical to swim with otters. Can you have a pet otter in australia. Additionally, otters are social animals and need to live with other otters to thrive. Otters arent happy to be one or two with a child pool and a bathtub ! But would only ever do it if I had the money #1, a lot of money. Thank you for taking the time to look at our personalised otter ceramic money box. Also do you own any dogs or cats? Gonna go out on a limb and say that's where the otter encounters take place. Yes, otters can be trained using positive reinforcement techniques. Question: Are otters legal pets in California? The Answer May Surprise You! That is a great way to help, thank you for your comment! You see, otters are members of the weasel family. AnimalWised takes a look at the different aspects of domestic otters. Objects, such as hollowed-out lots, well-placed shrubs and trees, and items of cage furniture. 25 million cats and dogs are euthanized in the US each year. Otters are very playful creatures. In addition to common domesticated pets such as cats, dogs, aviary birds and aquarium fish, some native animals can be kept as pets under a special licence from NPWS. Marvel at the patience that the author must have had. Even if it weren't, keeping wild animals as pets is not a good idea. Most states make their laws for certain animals unclear and otters could be regulated under some laws when it appears they are legal under another law. Thank you for this VERY enlightening article. DeKay's Brown Snake. Unfortunately, this fad has lead to the illegal smuggling of otters into Japan[6]. They have varying sizes across all species, weighing between 2.2 to 99.2 lb and having lengths between 2.0 to 5.9 feet. The space aka property with a huge pond that I would build a huge enclosure around. Living inside comes with many challenges, like cleaning up otter feces and keeping your furniture intact. Theyre destructive and will hurt you or your kids and they will get depressed ! can u own a otter in ohio or any other place please respond because im in highschool and i have plans to move to a place that allows pet otters please respond this important or my dreams wil be crushed to live a happy life, really i cant find any where to own one now i feel depressed so where, cus im planning to move to a state that allows them whith a friend. Keeping an otter as a pet has become fashionable in some countries for some time. This is not a pet for beginners, or the faint-hearted! They bite and they have glands to produce a vile smell , people get those removed , its cruel. If you find a wild otter, it is best to leave it alone and contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center. Otters are much happier (and quieter) in their natural habitat. Product details: Item Number: 001000265731 Brand: Otter Box Model Number: iPhone 7 Plus Colour: Pink We ship nationwide! Otters are wild animals. The best enclosure for an otter is outside. They are considered to be very high-maintenance, as you would imagine. Shes advising you not, To. Otters are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and their trade is heavily regulated. They love water so it is best if you have a body of water nearby for them to frolic in. About. Participants must be able to squat/kneel down and stand up quickly and without assistance. Not only is a home environment not suitable for the welfare of otters, but this relationship can also have some undesirable consequences for their human owners, as they can be loud, destructive and can inflict nasty bites. Thanks. Here is we collected all that you wanted about Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia Watch free videos. I was looking into purchasing a friend but after all this I think its not the best for either of us. This article is very upfront and honest, however when reading the comments I was overwhelmed with all the ignorance. That being said there are no breeders , otters are poached from the wild. Arkansas: Arkansas is one of the few states in the U.S. that allows otter ownership as a pet. Asian small-clawed otters - the only otter sometimes allowed as pets - need a mixture of land and water in their enclosure. In the UK, otters are fully protected under Sections 9 and 11 of Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981[2]. Check out Otter Bingo and Otter Kotaro on U-Tube. Animals and mostly exotic ones are not our toys or our means to make money. With that said, most or all states will likely ban possession of native otters, and the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act strongly protects marine species (sea otters). They would come to the nano-reef forums posting spotless 10 gallon tanks loaded with fish including tangs. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Note: All information comes from online resources and personal knowledge. There are 13 types of otter in total, but some are more common than others. And pets are different again to 'keeping otters'. Plumbing fixture you fuck an otter as a pet linear unit australia OTTERS as PETS Reason It's a BAD Thought. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Call state wildlife officials to confirm. Toys are expensive. What Does It Cost to Adopt a Pygmy Marmoset (or Finger, How To Setup a Red-eared Slider Turtle Tank, How Long Do Red-eared Slider Turtles Live? These big furry dogs were bred to hunt otters, which were considered as pests back in the day. Otters are protected under various laws and regulations, and owning one without proper permits can result in fines and other legal consequences. Lontra canadensis. For example, most states have bans on big cats, primates, and bears, but in states that allow more surprising species as pets, the majority of counties and towns don't allow it. However, owning an otter requires a permit, which can be obtained from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. They are the masters of disaster. They are carnivores with a high metabolic rate, requiring them to consume 20% of their body weight per day. Are otters good pets? Point is people that invest this kind of money on pets love them. On the 4 Asian species 3 are under protection because theyre getting extinct ! No. Are Emperor Scorpions Poisonous? In captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to provide a lot of basic nutrients. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several otter species as either endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. This craze of having exotic pets like fennec and foxes (in Russia its popular ), beautiful exotic reptiles and so much more is so wrong ! !" EatRawPotatoes. Smitten. Dogs can infect otters with canine distemper and rabies. seni, var, bir, pet, otter, iinde, Avustralya, olabilir. Fun fact: Otters have the thickest coats in the animal kingdom! These animals include bears, primates, big cats, canids, venomous and large reptiles (crocodilians, large constrictor snakes, and large monitor lizards). How otters are protected. Poor animals in those cages, would you like to be in jail ? I will stick with my donations and wish them love. Answer: Sea otters are not legal anywhere under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. In fact with a fast google search youll find that its 100% illegal but it seems theres a twist depending where you live. Answer: Since pet otters are rare, a dealer has a lot of leeway when naming their price. What exotic pets can you own in Australia? You can keep these animals as personal pets, but you cannot sell, barter, or exchange them. Pet Guide: How to Care for a Pet Emperor Scorpion, Blue Parakeets: 5 Step Complete Care and Color Mutation Guide, How Long Do Budgie or Parakeet Live as Pets? The following is a list of reasons why you shouldn't. Funny Otter Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift Sweatshirt, Cute Otter Sweatshirt, Punctuation Saves Otters, Punctuation Saves Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift . many native mammals have large home-ranges and need to kept in large outdoor enclosures. Sometimes people can't handle the truth. Not to mention that an otter in a home life most likely is not going to get the water time he needs. That being said, exotic animals from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. They like attention but do not like to play with humans, in the way humans like to interact with pets. Otters are very organized in their pooping, and have a designated pooping area per otter community. Can You Have A Pet Otter In Australia. As a pet, otter ownership can be difficult for a variety of reasons, but owning one is not an easy choice. This time around, the slippery creatures sneaked into a home at Serangoon Gardens near Brockhampton Berwick and killed a whole pond full of koi. Otters are restless and do not like to be restrained or restricted. Half the houses in my neighborhood can't even take care of their own dogs right. Otters are delightfully cute. WOW!! Otters like to climb and dig, so your enclosure will need a top and to be dug into the ground. Otters are so adorable, I can understand why we would want to have them as a pet, but it's not right. I greatly agree that some animals are better of wild but I read somewhere as well that as more human encroach on their natural habitats, these animals need to be protected. They're wild animals. Its so sad everyone just dont care about an species wellbeing just for the fact you as a human want to be cool having a otter pet.